Torque converter clearance

[mike1965]

When I install the converter and trans to the motor how much should I pull the converter back out of the trans towards the motor.

Thanks Mike

 

[Mike Gaines]

one would think until the converter lugs contact the flex plate....????

 

[mike1965]

You don't want to do that the conv can come out of the pump , it has to be spaced so it's not to tight to the pump and then you add spacers in between the conv and the flex plate.

 

[Garys1969RR]

I have always just bolted them up, and the spacing comes out fine. There is a lot of lee way in there for the front pump lugs to engage.

- - - Updated - - -

In 15 or 20 installs, have never had a hint of a problem. All types of converters and flex plates.

 

[dvw]

3/16' or less, any more put some washers between the converter and flex plate. It has to have some clearance. The current converter is as close as I've ever run. about .020". 200 passes no issues.
Doug

 

[Jackpot50]

Before putting flex plate on align bolt holes and mark converter and flex plate so it is easy to bolt up. Put converter in transmission till seat into pump, put on motor and bolt up transmission pull converter out till standoffs touch flex plate and install bolts that's it.
Min. clearance 1/8"

 

[WP29440SE]

I have always just bolted them up, and the spacing comes out fine. There is a lot of lee way in there for the front pump lugs to engage.

- - - Updated - - -

In 15 or 20 installs, have never had a hint of a problem. All types of converters and flex plates.

xs2 , I have installed more transmissions that I can count and if im having to add spacers and shims and washers there are bigger issues than using a band aid like that. like maybe your flexplate is on backwards. the converter bolts will always pull the converter to the flexplate like its supposed to. or so it seems to me, but what do I know.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Seems this is an engineered dimension and I never thought much of it. There are virtually no variables assuming all the parts are as engineered so the chance of it being wrong are slim. Aftermarket converters would be one variable but pretty sure they got them correct. I just installed one and want to say I pulled it forward at least 1/4" maybe even 3/8". Works fine.

 

[theman440]

My transmission man says .060

 

[RT K_line]

I've worked in the transmission business for years in the past and never had to add shims or washers to the converter. Bolt it up and go. The witness marks iv seen on torque converter hubs have plenty of room for pump gear contact when installed.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Never have thought of measuring that. I can say from experience that it's a ton more than .060". On Fords with studs made on the converter, you usually have enough room to remove the nuts and totally disengage the studs from the flex plate. The studs are usually either 3/4" or 1" depending on application.

 

[mike1965]

Well mine worked out good there was 3/16'' from the conv. lug to the flex plate so no washers needed .

Thanks for all the help guy's

Mike

 

[dvw]

Many aftermarket converters end up will lugs at different heights. I would much rather add spacers than pull the converter out 1/4"-3/4" Converters may be set up for 1/8"-1/4" midplate. Has anyone measured their pump lug engagement? I'll bet not. If you run a glide or an Ultrabell you'll learn about spacers real quick.
Doug

 

[mopar 3 B]

The only time I have had to use spacers. Front wheel drives and exchanged converters to keep bolts from poking holes in the converter. Aparently the lugs on the converter are just to hard to make to accommodate the factory bolt lengths.

 

[glassman]

Been a Mopar guy all my life and I have NEVER seen a spacer or washer on the torque converter . I would have to think that washers and spacers would lead to disaster from coming loose. As we all know, you cannot use a lock washer under the head of a converter bolt. Next thing to worry about is , where did the air come from in your front runners. Was it approved air? We must now check into this air theory.